What do you do to feel close to God?

[precious8627]

Hi there,

I have run across this question and I'm feeling a little flabbergasted by it. I read the Bible to learn more, and I watch a service weekly to grow as and individual and Christian, I listen to Christian music for inspiration throughout my day. I do these things to learn more and to grow in my faith, I don't explicitly think of them as "things I do to feel close to God". I thought I'd talk the fine folks here to expand my perspective.

What do you do to feel close to God?

 

[Rush]

What gets me started best and most is thankfulness. Just thanking God for everything i can think of. Doesn't have to be related to me, just anything at all. I find giving thanks to God generally helps enter God's presence and find a good place to start worshiping.
Another thing when reading scripture that with each sentence that God inspired the person writing... i try to imagine them sitting there writing, or maybe dictating to a scribe, and what's in their hearts for the people they're writing about/to. The imagining helps give remind me we have a personal God for us who loves us through the fabric of space and time forever and ever

 

[TheAristocat]

I think I know what you mean. There are some things I do out of conscience' sake that certainly can have side effects on my attitude toward God.

I make and wear tassles and phylacteries, ritually bathe, read the Bible, keep track of the lunar festivals, eat unleavened bread and try to eat kosher, physically rest one day a week (read: hibernate in my cave every Sabbath), keep updated on Israeli news, look for prophetic clues, bug professors with questions, etc. Pretty simple stuff considering all the time I have to do it in. But for how simple it is it actually helps keep God on my mind.

I especially like the hibernating part. I'm a power sleeper. A while back when I slept from sunrise to sunset one day my grandmother started worrying about me and had to come wake me up to make sure I was still alive. When I woke up it was as dark as when I had fallen asleep. Consequently, I thought it was still morning.

 

[damombomb]

Church, worship music, praying for others, ministering, sometimes just playing worship music and dancing before him when i am
by myself. Reading his word really makes a difference, it is alive an active.

 

[brokenclay]

@precious8627. That's a good question. I've always found that talking with God connects me with Him more than anything. Any little slipups with my tongue, evokes a quick apology when I'm pouring my heart out over personal issues. I do need to understand more of claiming His promises when intercessing for others and for personal matters. God also wants to have pleasure in us and says don't shrink back from me. Yes, God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Blessings and thanks for your post. Larry

 

[RedTent]

I do feel very close to God, God is with me every minute. I have been a Christian most of my life, but I have felt close to God in varying degrees throughout my life.

I now include God in every thought and decision I make, I think that is the difference. For instance, when I spent my money I didn't always think of it being lent to me by God, God even gave me what I earned it with---my abilities, my strength, etc. I bought what the world told me to, not God. I didn't have a clue that God should tell me how to relate to the people in my life. To ask God to bless and care for my enemies didn't even occur to me.

Now there is a connection between everything I do in the world and the spiritual world that is of God, one must reflect the other.

 

[precious8627]

These are all really great! I never thought of apologizing after words slip from my tongue in the car, I do feel poorly about being harsh. I've been trying hard to remind myself that sometimes I drive slow and sometimes fast, and there are reasons for each speed; they may also have a reason and I shouldn't be so quick to anger. I've digressed.

I think imagining the authors is clever, I'm going to do that tonight.

What a wonderful thought to dance before the Lord!

 

[J-Kay-2]

Maybe it is my age and the various trials I have gone through, I
don't need to do anything to actually 'feel' close to God. He has
proven to be a Comforter through loss of family members. Each
trial keeps my feet solid on the Rock.

To be more specific and answer your question, I have to say
Prayer... When I intercede deeply for someone in need and He seems
so close to me more then, than my daily routine. I am blessed.

 

[Angela53510]

Praying and reading the Bible are the most important.I read through the Bible a minimum of once a year, and also in different languages. And fellowship and music, of course. One thing I discovered about 5 or 6 years ago is Christian meditation.

"but his delight is in the law** of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2

**law is probably better translated "instruction."

I started with some of the New Testament, on the Peace of Jesusand memorized God's Word and began to say it and really ask God what it meant. God then instructed me to meditate on Prov. 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths." Prov. 3:5-6

I spent over two years meditating, researching and praying that verse. My trust in God increased dramatically, and some of my more subtle sins also disappeared as the Holy Spirit ministered to me through the Word.

God also had me meditate on Matt 11:28-30

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [SUP]29 [/SUP]Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, andyou will find rest for your souls. [SUP]30 [/SUP]For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”"

Now, I mediate on the following verse.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

This verse helps me to silence myself, and to really understand that nothing is more important than God. My goal in the coming months is to memorize all of Romans 8, and to mediate on the amazing truths in that chapter of the Bible.

It is really a good questions, with some great answers.

"Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
[SUP]7 [/SUP]let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:6-7

 

[Nancyer]

I talk to God throughout the day. Praying over whatever comes up. If I see a accident on the road I will pray that God takes care of those involved, that it doesn't become a financial burden beyond their abilities, that He protects them and gives them strength. Same with news items, good and bad. I give thanks to God also, for everything from not being in an accident to a favorite song on the radio to an finding what I need at Walmart.

 

[RedTent]

Praying and reading the Bible are the most important.I read through the Bible a minimum of once a year, and also in different languages. And fellowship and music, of course. One thing I discovered about 5 or 6 years ago is Christian meditation.

"but his delight is in the law** of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2

**law is probably better translated "instruction."

I started with some of the New Testament, on the Peace of Jesusand memorized God's Word and began to say it and really ask God what it meant. God then instructed me to meditate on Prov. 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths." Prov. 3:5-6

I spent over two years meditating, researching and praying that verse. My trust in God increased dramatically, and some of my more subtle sins also disappeared as the Holy Spirit ministered to me through the Word.

God also had me meditate on Matt 11:28-30

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [SUP]29 [/SUP]Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, andyou will find rest for your souls. [SUP]30 [/SUP]For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”"

Now, I mediate on the following verse.

"For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
[SUP]2 [/SUP]He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

This verse helps me to silence myself, and to really understand that nothing is more important than God. My goal in the coming months is to memorize all of Romans 8, and to mediate on the amazing truths in that chapter of the Bible.

It is really a good questions, with some great answers.

"Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
[SUP]7 [/SUP]let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isa. 55:6-7

Thank you for bringing up meditation. I saw a documentary on TV (of all things) that brought this before me. The idea was reinforced by a very successful doctor I met who got up an hour earlier every morning to spend meditating. Both of them put scripture in their minds first, and then spent their time listening for the voice of the Lord, using prayer and being conscious of the Lord in their lives.

I have used a sort of physical, ritualistic way of preparing myself, being sure that the rituals are done only as a symbol of their spiritual meaning. I physically wash my hands as I spiritually use the Lords prayer to speak with the Lord. Then I physically put on a covering over my head to symbolize shutting out the physical world, making sure it is not the physically shawl that does this, but putting my mind on only the world. From there, the Lord takes over, but only through scripture as a base.

 

[ctgardengirl]

Great post RedTent! I agree with you absolutely. 'I now include God in every thought and decision I make,' AMEN!
'Now there is a connection between everything I do in the world and the spiritual world that is of God, one must reflect the other.' YES!Our lives, in all we say and do, are to bring glory to God - through our obedience to Him. This in itself, keeps me close to God every day.

 

[ThomistColin]

Take out a chair and sit it next to you. Turn off your cell phone for about an hour or so. Talk to the empty chair, knowing in faith that it is Christ that you are talking to.

Brennan Manning told the story of a man who was dying. His daughter came to Brennan and asked him to see her father. When they were alone, the dying man told Brennan that he would do this every night, and asked if it were okay to do so. Brennan said it was prayer and that it was by far the simplest and most noble form of prayer, to just speak with the Lord.

Three weeks later, the man died, his daughter reported to Brennan that she had left the house to get groceries and when she had returned she found her father had died while she was out. She told Brennan, "It was the strangest thing, when I found him, his head was lying on the empty chair."

This is a pure form of prayer, because Christ will sit in that chair. It need not be a chair, it could be a couch, or the empty space next to you. Begin a conversation with God, and like any conversation, listen as much, if not more, than you talk.

God bless.

 

[eagleisflying]

Re: What I do to stay close to God.

I start my day with the LORD.. Before I do anything else I tithe my first hour of "time" to Him. I study His word before I leave for work and also I study His word before I go to sleep. I listen to teachings on the way to work and or praise music.
I practice the presence of God throughout the day. I love Brother Andrews book 'practicing the presence of GOD. I praise Him throughout the day. I throughout the day speak to the Holy Spirit for advice and counsel. I am quick to repent if I feel I have displeased Him in anyway.. I pray for more Truth and More Fear of Him daily. I keep my Armor on before I leave the house. I dwell in His secret place.. I remember to read Psa 91 plus the other teaching He has me study. I strive to have His word hid in my heart so I don't sin against Him. I ask for clean hands and a pure heart daily. I ask Him daily to show me anything I might have in my heart to displease Him. I give Him permission to change me daily. I hold His hand tightly and I know I can do nothing without him. I remember His Mercy and that he is a 747 and I am a speck in the ocean. I am thankful for HIS love and that He loves me.. I am thankful for His Mercy and His love and I talk to Daddy a lot I appreciate Him...and let Him know.